The Atkins school board voted Monday night to increase salaries for teachers, principals and other employees whose jobs require certifications by $325.

"By increasing their base salary, it helps in the event the state legislature increases the minimum teacher salary in the future," Superintendent Boyce Watkins said.

Employees who are considered "classified," which includes custodians, bus drivers and other personnel who are not required to receive certification, will receive a one-time bonus of $325.

"I feel confident in recommending to you on the classified side that each classified full-time employee get a $325 bonus," Watkins told the board. Part-time employees would receive $162.50.

Both classified and certified employees will have to vote on whether to receive their respective bonus or pay increase. If the employees vote yes, checks will be immediately issued by the school district.

Other business

The school board voted to hire Gladys Vint as a part-time K-12 curriculum specialist. Vint will start work on Jan. 4.